Eagles return to golf course Aug. 21

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The Three Eagles Golf Course is on par for its grand re-opening Aug. 21 at 3:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and putting and nine-hole tournaments.

The course closed June 15 to improve playing conditions by planting in sprigs of hybrid Bermuda grass.

"The main complaint of golfers was the condition of our fairways," said Pete Marnach, 4th Force Support Squadron community services flight chief. "Now the fairways have the same type of grass as other local courses. During the winter months, the new grass stays green and won't die out making good playing conditions year round."

By sprigging the course, the grass will spread and grow faster, Mr. Marnach said. Playing conditions will be decent this fall and excellent next summer once the turf fills in.

"The renovation of the fairways is something this course has needed for years," said Hope Holden, golf course assistant manager. "When the fairways are filled in completely, a golfer will not be hitting off dirt or very little grass as they have been."

Other golfer complaints were the condition of tees and bunkers, and not having proper yard marks throughout the course.

"We had 70 trees cut down in areas that shaded tees and greens or those that wouldn't allow for good turf conditions," Mr. Marnach said. "As for the bunkers, we cleaned them up and added sand to them all to provide consistency when you hit out of them."

Proper markers have also been put into place at 100, 150 and 200 yards on the fairways and cart paths.

The golf course will be open daily for all military members, Department of Defense civilians, retirees, family members and civilians with base access.

The cost to enter the opening tournaments is $15 and includes greens fees, cart, food and prizes.

For more information on the renovations or membership specials, contact the Three Eagles Golf Course at 722-0395 or visit www.sjfss.com.